Melissa Ferrucci is office managing partner for CohnReznick’s Connecticut offices, working closely with clients and team members statewide while providing audit services and industry guidance, particularly for commercial real estate and affordable housing clients.
A certified public accountant, she is a member of the firm’s Connecticut Real Estate practice leadership team and works with government and quasi-governmental agencies. Ferrucci also serves on the CohnReznick Foundation board and holds leadership roles in industry organizations.
In 2025, CohnReznick advanced its growth strategy through organic expansion and a strategic investment from funds advised by Apax Partners LLP. The firm increased investments in technology and artificial intelligence, including hiring a global leader for strategic AI, and continued to expand client-facing data and AI services.
Within her practice areas, Ferrucci cited strong growth in commercial real estate and the release of CohnReznick’s 11th Affordable Housing Tax Credit Study.
Looking ahead, she sees rapid advances in technology and AI as both opportunities and challenges, emphasizing responsible deployment and continued focus on quality.
What qualities are most essential for effective leadership today?
Leaders today must bring empathy, passion, drive and a deep understanding in helping our team members succeed. We must prioritize building and sustaining a collaborative and open environment for communication and idea sharing.
Additionally, balancing accountability and mentorship for team members throughout their career journey are essential qualities for effective leadership.
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What do you value most about living or doing business in Connecticut?
Having grown up in Connecticut, I have had the privilege to work with so many incredible business leaders. The relationships I’ve formed and the sense of purpose and giving back are what I value most.
The business community comes together in so many ways to give back to our community. Being involved in a variety of philanthropic initiatives, there are many business leaders that come together to make a difference and help others. It is what makes this community special.
What is one change that would make Connecticut more competitive economically?
We need to continue to attract and incentivize businesses to move to and remain in Connecticut by reinforcing our strong value proposition — from diversity of industries to opportunities to proximity to major markets.
Book recommendations: “Part of Your World” by Abby Jimenez; “Verity” by Colleen Hoover; “Housemaid” series by Freida McFadden
Go-to news media outlets: Hartford Business Journal, Hartford Courant, and 1080 AM radio daily
Hobby or leisure activity: I enjoy golfing and mastering escape rooms with my family.